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Title: Sheffield and its Environs 13th to the 17th century
A descriptive catalogue of land charters and other documents
forming the Brooke Taylor collection
Author: Thomas Walter Hall
Release Date: August 20, 2011 [EBook #37130]
Language: English
Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
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Sheffield and its environs 13th to the 17th century
A
DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE
OF
Land Charters & Other Documents
FORMING
The Brooke Taylor Collection
RELATING TO
THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS
OF
SHEFFIELD
WITH 16 GENEALOGIES AND AN ARTICLE
ON
Hawksyard
COMPILED BY
T. WALTER HALL Hon. M.A. (Sheffield) F.R.Hist.S.
SHEFFIELD
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. W. NORTHEND LTD., WEST STREET
1922
[Pg i]
TO
THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
WORKS RELATING TO THE HISTORY OF SHEFFIELD AND ITS ENVIRONS.
SHEFFIELD PEDIGREES volume I, by T. Walter Hall. Containing nine genealogies with notes.
Published 1909, now out of print.
CATALOGUE OF THE CHARTERS, DEEDS, AND MANUSCRIPTS IN THE PUBLIC REFERENCE
LIBRARY AT SHEFFIELD, by T. Walter Hall; with Introductory Note by Mr. R. E. Leader and photographic
reproduction of early 14th century Derbyshire charter.
Published June 1912. Price 2/-.
CATALOGUE OF THE ANCIENT CHARTERS BELONGING TO THE TWELVE CAPITAL BURGESSES
AND COMMONALTY OF THE TOWN AND PARISH OF SHEFFIELD, WITH ABSTRACTS OF ALL
SHEFFIELD WILLS PROVED AT YORK PRIOR to 1554, by
T. Walter Hall; with over 100 local genealogies and
4 photographic reproductions of early Sheffield seals and an early 15th century Sheffield charter.
Published May 1913. Price 2/6.
DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF THE CHARTERS, ROLLS, DEEDS, PEDIGREES, PAMPHLETS,
NEWSPAPERS, MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS, MAPS, AND MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS, FORMING
“THE JACKSON COLLECTION,” AT THE SHEFFIELD PUBLIC REFERENCE LIBRARY, by
T. Walter Hall
and A. Hermann Thomas: with Prefatory Note by Dr. Henry Jackson, O.M., Regius Professor of Greek and Fellow of
Trinity College, Cambridge, and five photographic reproductions of ancient local documents.
Published July 1914. Price 5/-.
SHEFFIELD PEDIGREES volume II, contributed by Messrs.
J. B. Mitchell-Withers, H. P. Marsh, R. E. Leader, S.
O. Addy, W. S. Porter, C. Drury, and T. Walter Hall. Containing 16 genealogies with notes.
Published January 1915. Price 5/-.
DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF MISCELLANEOUS CHARTERS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING
TO THE DISTRICTS OF SHEFFIELD AND ROTHERHAM, WITH ABSTRACTS OF WILLS PROVED AT
YORK FROM 1554 to 1560; by T. Walter Hall, with 315 local genealogies and six photographs of medieval charters,
&c.
Published September 1916. Price 5/-.
THE PARISH REGISTER OF SHEFFIELD. Part I. BAPTISMS AND MARRIAGES, 1560 to 1635. Transcribed
and edited by Charles Drury and T. Walter Hall of Sheffield; indexed by John Charlesworth of Wakefield. Privately
printed for The Hunter Archæological Society of Sheffield and The Yorkshire Parish Register Society.
Published 1917. Price 10/6.
THE PARISH REGISTER OF SHEFFIELD. Part II. BURIALS 1560 to 1635; BAPTISMS AND MARRIAGES
1635 to 1653. Transcribed and edited by Charles Drury and T. Walter Hall of Sheffield, and indexed by T. Walter
Hall. Privately printed for The Hunter Archæological Society of Sheffield and The Yorkshire Parish Register Society.
Published 1918. Price 10/6.
DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF THE CHARTERS, COPY COURT ROLLS AND WILLS IN “THE WHEAT
COLLECTION,” AT THE SHEFFIELD PUBLIC REFERENCE LIBRARY; AND ALSO CHARTERS FROM
OTHER LOCAL COLLECTIONS, WITH ABSTRACTS OF SHEFFIELD WILLS PROVED AT YORK FROM
1560 to 1566; by T. Walter Hall; with 285 local genealogies, and a Prefatory Note by Mr. Hubert Hall, of H.M. Public
Record Office, F.S.A., and two photographic reproductions of local charters of the 13th century. Appendix containing
a list of boys who went to Broombank House School, Sheffield, with a biographical note on the reverend Thomas
[Pg ii]
[Pg iii]
[Pg iv]
[Pg v]
Howarth, M.A.
Published August 1920. Price 5/-.
THE PARISH REGISTER OF SHEFFIELD. Part III. BURIALS 1635 to 1653; BAPTISMS AND MARRIAGES
1653 to 1686. Transcribed and edited by Charles Drury and T. Walter Hall, F.R.Hist.S. Privately printed for The
Hunter Archæological Society of Sheffield and The Yorkshire Parish Register Society.
Published 1921. Price 10/6.
MATERIAL FOR THE HISTORY OF WINCOBANK, SHEFFIELD, by
T. Walter Hall, F.R.Hist.S.; with plan of
1692 and 31 local genealogies.
Published December 1921. Price 3/-.
DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF THE BROOKE TAYLOR COLLECTION OF EARLY CHARTERS AND
DEEDS RELATING TO OUTLYING DISTRICTS OF SHEFFIELD by
T. Walter Hall, Hon. M.A. (Sheffield),
F.R.Hist.S.; with genealogies and photographic reproductions of charters and seals. Appendix containing an article on
Hawksyard near Buxton; with its John of Gaunt hawking tradition and medieval history; reprinted from Transactions of
The Hunter Archæological Society of Sheffield.
Published October 1922. Price 5/-.
THE PARISH REGISTER OF SHEFFIELD. Part IV. In the Press.
Price 10/6.
The above publications can be purchased from J. W. Northend Limited, West Street, Sheffield.
PREFACE
My thanks are due to Colonel H. Brooke Taylor, for permission to search his chambers in the Town Hall at Bakewell
for hidden treasure, in the shape of pre-reformation land charters court rolls and the like; to Mr Robert Shirley of
Waterhouse Farm near Longnor, for a sight of his title deeds to Hawksyard; to his son Mr Edwin Leslie Shirley of
Hawksyard, for a very pleasant visit to his ancestral home in The Moorlands of Staffordshire, with its medieval tradition
and interesting associations; and to Mr James R. Wigfull, for an excellent little map of Hawksyard and the surrounding
country.
It is only through the kindness and good nature of others, that a systematic search for local history can proceed and
although contributions accumulate in small quantities, there is no more fruitful or reliable source of information, as to
people and places of bygone days, than the land charters and court rolls covering the period from the Domesday survey
to the reformation.
Many bundles of old title deeds, unopened for centuries, yet lie hidden in out-of-the-way corners and on inaccessible
shelves; it should be part of the work of every archæological society to extract from all available deeds, relating to its
own district, whatever useful history they may contain.
Every countryside, every village and every town becomes a more interesting place to its inhabitants, when its history is
known. The names of persons and places become intelligible, dates and letters on buildings can be accounted for,
disused bridle roads and paths can be traced, the heraldry of the stained glass in the church and of the tombstones in the
churchyard can be read with understanding, local genealogies can be extended and long cherished family traditions can
often be verified or explained.
It is therefore of importance that whenever these ancient writings make their appearance, there should be some person
or association of persons ready and willing to examine them, not only with the object of extracting any local history they
may contain, but also of recording it in a form suitable for future reference.
T. Walter Hall.
[Pg vi]
[Pg vii]
Before 1290. Charter of Jordan de Pickeburne. (Brodsworth near Doncaster)
Photo Ethel Eadon
Before 1290. Charter of Jordan de Pickeburne. (Brodsworth near Doncaster)
The Brooke Taylor Collection.
13th century. Prior to the statute Quia Emptores, 18 Edw I (1290). Charter (Lat) confirming a grant from Jordan son
of Thomas de Pickeburne to Gilbert Cook of Rickehale, for a certain sum of money, which he gave to the grantor by
hand as a fine (in gersumma), of one acre of land and a half, with the appurtenances, in the north field of Pickeburne at
the green hill, lying between the proper land of the grantor on the one part and land which Jordan Wlm' formerly held on
the other part; of which one end butted upon the field of Hanepol and the other end on land of Sir Marmeduke Darel;
and also a plot of meadow ground in the meadows of Pickeburne; to wit, it lay in length and in breadth one rod and
three quarters, between the meadow of the fee of Rockelay and the meadow of Robert Knouẏs, of which one end
butted upon the south cave (antrum australe) and the other end upon the north cave (antrum boreale); to hold and to
have of the grantor and his heirs to the said Gilbert and his heirs or whomsoever; and howsoever and whatsoever time
he should wish to give, to bequeath, to assign or to sell, in fee and inheritance free quietly peacefully and entirely; with all
rights of common, easements, liberties and appurtenances, without reservation; paying thenceforth annually to the
grantor and his heirs one halfpenny of silver on the day of saint John the baptist, for all secular services, exactions, taxes,
suits of court and demands; warranty of title etc. Witnesses: Helias de Scauceby, Thomas his son, Henry of the same
place, William Joye of Pickeburne, Hugh son of Beatrice, Thomas Fossard of the same place (sic), William de Fonte.
Vellum: one skin 6½ × 4, seal missing. Notes: this interesting charter, of which a photographic reproduction is given as
a frontispiece, is in perfect condition, except that the seal is missing. It is a subinfeudation of lands in the township of
Pickburn-with-Brodsworth, in the parish of Brodsworth and wapentake of Strafforth, four miles north-west of
Doncaster; for which Gilbert Cook paid a gersuma or fine to Jordan de Pickburn. In the reign of Edward the confessor,
Pickburn was part of the lands of Alsie the Saxon lord; but after the conquest it was held by Nigel Fossard under the
earl of Morton, who accompanied William from Normandy in his successful invasion of England. The earl subsequently
forfeited his English possessions and Nigel Fossard, his subinfeudatory, came to be acknowledged tenant of the crown.
Gilbert Cook may have been descended from Alberus de Coci (Cook), who after the conquest held Hickleton and part
of Cadeby. No trace of Rickehale can be found. Jordan Wlm' is clearly written, probably it is a contraction of
Woolmer?
Hanepol is mentioned in Domesday, it was a manor before the conquest, belonging to Swein. The modern name is
Hampole and it lies about two miles north of Pickburn.
Sir Marmeduke Darel was living 31 Hen III (1247), in which year he had a charter of free warren at Brodsworth. The
Darels got Brodsworth from the de Buslis; they continued in possession from the beginning of the 13th to the beginning
of the 16th century; the last of the Darels being Sir Thomas, who died without issue 23rd November 1505; see “South
Yorkshire” vol I, page 315.
The fee of Rockley was in Worsborough and this land near Pickburn must have adjoined part of that fee. The Rockleys
were settled in Worsborough at the time of the conquest and continued in undisturbed possession until the civil wars.
Knouẏs may in later times have been Knovis. Scauceby now Scawsby, lies two miles south-east of Pickburn. It
appears to have been a more important place in Saxon times than it is to-day. It is mentioned in Domesday as
Scalchebi. Helias may mean Ellis. The surname Joye has a small i for the initial letter.
[Pg 1]
I
[Pg 2]
Nigel Fossard above mentioned was, after the death of the earl of Morton, one of several landowners in the deanery of
Doncaster who held direct from the crown; his fee included lands at Brodsworth and he also had a house at Doncaster;
but his baronial seat was Mulgrave Castle in north Yorkshire.
William de Fonte was probably the prior of Ecclesfield, which priory belonged at the date of this charter to the abbey of
Fontenelle or saint Wandrille in Normandy.
Probably William de Fonte engrossed this charter and added his name as the last witness, which was a common
practice of monks and scriveners.
Judith, niece of William I and wife of earl Waltheof lord of Hallam, placed a colony of monks from Fontenelle at
Ecclesfield; probably in the 11th century, as she was married in 1070; see “Archæologia” vol 26, page 352. From
charter-evidence it is certain that the priory was in existence in 1141. From this it may be assumed that this beautifully
written charter had its origin in Ecclesfield priory, and was taken by prior William to Pickburn, where the other
witnesses would meet, to see possession of the land given and the grant confirmed by deed.
Genealogy deduced.
(i)
Thomas de Pickeburne = ......
Jordan
both living shortly before 1290
(ii)
Helias de Scauceby = ......
Thomas
both living shortly before 1290
13th century. Prior to the statute Quia Emptores, 18 Edw I (1290). Charter (Lat) confirming a grant from William de
Mertone to Henry son of Roger Palmer, of one toft in the town of Mertone and two acres of his land; that toft and
those acres which Roger his son formerly held of him to the end of all things; to wit, the said Roger the said land either
held or retained, for homage and services; to have and to hold to him and his heirs or assigns, from him (the grantor) or
his heirs, freely quietly and entirely, with all liberties and easements, so much land in the town of Mertone, with the
appurtenances; paying thenceforth annually himself or his heirs or assigns to him (the grantor) and his heirs, one pound
of cummin at the feast of saint Michael the archangel, for all services exactions and demands; and he William and his
heirs, the said land, with the appurtenances, to the said Henry and his heirs or assigns, against all men and women, did
warrant for ever. Witnesses: Richard de Thorintone, Adam de Pultone, James de Poltone (sic), Henry de Karletone,
Roger son of John de (?)aynol, Emery (Aumaricus) de Lekamtone and others. Vellum: one skin 6½ × 3, portion of a
green seal, obscure. Notes: the form of the deed necessitates a date prior to 18 Edw I; and it is only by the names of
the persons mentioned in the charter that the approximate date can be fixed. Mertone is an early form of Marton or
Markeaton, two miles north-west of Derby, Richard le Palmer was a witness to a lease of a house in Markton
(Markeaton) temp Edw I, see Jeayes “Derbyshire Charters”, number 1651, page 205. The words “about 1275” are
written on the back of the charter, in a hand of later date.
Genealogy deduced.
Roger Palmer = ......
Henry
both living shortly before 1290
1310 Monday next before the feast of All Saints (1st November). Charter (Lat), dated at Kenwortheẏ, confirming a
grant from William Nolbildon (?) and Margery his wife to William de Baggyleigh and his heirs, of one messuage and five
acres of land, with the appurtenances, in Norworthen and Kenwortheẏ, without any reservation; to have and to hold to
him and his heirs, of the chief lord of the fee, by services thenceforth owing and accustomed; freely quietly well and in
peace, with all liberties and easements to the said land, in the town of Norworthen and Kenwortheẏ howsoever
described; they, the said William and Margery and their heirs, all the lands aforesaid with the messuage aforesaid and
with all their appurtenances, situated as before written, to the said William (Baggyleigh) and his heirs and assigns,
[Pg 3]
II
III
against all men did warrant and defend. Witnesses: Robert de Masey of Sale, Robert de Tatton, Richard de
Kogworth, Richard de Brounehul, Roger de Kenwortheẏ, Robert del Cley (?) clerk. Vellum: one skin 8½ × 2¼, two
seals missing. Notes: this is a grant of land in Northenden in the hundred of Macclesfield, Cheshire. It is on the south
bank of the river Mersey, seven miles south of Manchester. Withenshaw Hall is the ancient family seat of the Tattons,
who were lords of the manor. See Ormrod’s “History of Cheshire” volume iii, pages 604 to 611.
Genealogy deduced.
William Nolbildon = Margery
both living 1 Nov 1310
1332 Tuesday in the feast of the translation of saint Dunstan (7th September). Quitclaim (Lat), dated at Kenwortheẏ,
from Emma daughter of Richard de Macworth to Sir William de Baggelegh knight and his heirs, of all her right and
claim in all lands or tenements, with their appurtenances, which she had of the gift and testament (?) of Roger del Tatton
(?) in Kenwortheẏ in the town of Nortworhtheẏ (sic) with the annual rent for the said lands. Witnesses: Roger le
Masey of Sale, John de Carmarthon, William de Tatton, Thomas del Brome, Adam Lobias. Vellum: one skin 8 × 3,
seal missing. Notes: the writing is much faded in places.
Genealogy deduced.
Richard de Macworth = ......
Emma
living 7 Sep 1332
1353 Sunday next after the feast of saint Adelmus the confessor (25th May). Agreement (Lat), dated at Northworthẏn
between William de Tatton of the one part and Robert his son of the other part: to wit, that the said William as witness
(superstes) gave and granted for all his life to the said Robert his heirs and assigns, all his messuages lands and
tenements, rents and services, which he had etc in the town of Northworthẏn Kenwortheẏ and Wythynschagh, with all
their appurtenances, except so much of those lands and tenements which Thomas Medock the miller (?) held from the
said William for a term of years, in the town of Northworthẏn, with the appurtenances; to have and to hold to the said
Robert his heirs and assigns freely quietly etc, for all the life of the said William; of the chief lord of that fee, for services
thenceforth due and of right accustomed; provided that the said Robert should maintain and order for the said William,
during the life of himself William, suitable and sufficient sustenance; and if it happen that the said Robert, during the life
of the said William his father, should die, the said William agreed (?) that all the said lands and tenements rents and
services, with the appurtenances, for the time of the life of him, to him should return revert and remain, except those
lands and tenements in Wythynshagh, with the appurtenances; to wit, those tenements which the said William first held,
which lands and tenements with the appurtenances, the said William granted and gave, which during the life of himself
William would remain in the possession of Sybil wife of the said Robert and her relations, for their maintenance.
Witnesses: William de Hynckley parson of the church of Northworthẏn, Richard de Baggelegh, Richard de Brom,
William son of Richard de Tatton, John son of Roger (?) de Kenwortheẏ. Vellum: one skin 9 × 3½, seal missing.
Genealogies deduced.
(i)
William de
Tatton = ......
Robert = Sybil
all living 25 May 1353
(ii)
Richard de Tatton = ......
William
both living 25 May 1353
(iii)
[Pg 4]
IV
V
[Pg 5]
Roger de Kenworthey = ......
John
both living 25 May 1353
(1391) Sunday next before the feast of saint Martin in winter (11th November), in the 15th year of Richard II. Charter
(Lat) dated at Wythinschawe, confirming a grant from Robert de Tatton senior to John son of Robert de Legh and John
de Rossyndale chaplain, of all his messuages lands and tenements with the appurtenances, in Wythinschawe in the town
of Kenwortheẏ, which Margaret, who was the wife of Robert de Tatton junior, Robert Dukhard (?) parson of the
church of Northdene, Richard del Brome and William de Kenwortheẏ held from the grant of him (Robert de Tatton
senior), for the term of his life, in the town aforesaid, to have and to hold all the said messuages lands and tenements,
with all lands houses meadows feedings and pastures and other their appurtenances; and also with forty three shillings
and four pence annually, at the feast of the nativity of saint John the baptist, and saint Martin the bishop, by equal
portions; for the said Margaret, Robert Dukhard (?) Richard and William, during his (the said Robert de Tatton senior)
life, in advance, freely quietly well and in peace, with all profits liberties turbaries common of pasture and other
easements to the said lands and tenements wheresoever, belonging and in the said town existing and to the same, of
whatsoever manner, to be firmly held: of the chief lord of that fee, for services thenceforth owing and of right
accustomed; warranty of title etc. Witnesses: Peter de Legh then steward of Macclesfeld, William de Legh chevalier,
John de Honford (?), Richard de Brome, William de Ken'. Vellum: one skin 9½ × 3¼, seal missing.
Genealogies deduced.
(i)
Robert de
Tatton = ......
senior
Robert =
Margaret
junior
all living 11 Nov 1391
(ii)
Robert de Legh = ......
John
both living 11 Nov 1391
1399 May 15th. Deed of covenant (Lat) given at Lancaster Castle and made between John Gaunte duke of
Lancaster fourth son of King Edward the third and Edward Mundy of Marton in the county of Derby knight; whereby,
after reciting a visit of John Gaunte to Highe Frith in the parish of Alstonefield in the county of Stafford, on the 10th May
1399, for the purpose of hawking; the said John Gaunt (sic) gave and delivered to the said Edward Mundy, a piece of
land, to which the said John Gaunt gave the name of Hawkesyerd otherwise Hawksearth. The boundaries of the land
are given in detail and also the names of some of the fields and the adjoining farms and grouse moors. Witnesses:
William Stanley gent, John Porter gent, James Lewis gent, Wi'm Stanley gent, Thos Mundy gent, John Thornicroft
attorney. Vellum: one skin 15 × 8½, round seal of green wax, 3½ inches diameter and an inch thick. See appendix and
photographic reproductions.
(1414) Sunday next after the feast of Thomas the apostle (21st December), in the 2nd year of the reign of Henry V.
Charter (Lat) confirming a grant from John Marreys son of Walter Marreys of Rostlastone to Thomas Gresley knight,
William Babẏngtone, John Abell of Caldewall and William Ward of Coton their heirs and assigns, of all his lands and
tenements rents reversions possessions and services, with their appurtenances, which he had or in the future might have
in the town and territories of Rostlastone and Lynton or elsewhere in the county of Derby, without reservation; to have
and to hold all the said lands tenements etc to the said Thomas, William, John Abell and William their heirs and assigns
freely quietly well and in peace for ever; of the chief lord of that fee, for services etc; warranty of title. Witnesses:
Roger de Hortone lord of Catton, John Dethek of Neuhall, John Abell of Stapenhull, John Lathebury de Newtone
VI
[Pg 6]
VII
VIII
[Pg 7]
Suluẏ, Robert Thirmot of Lyntone. Vellum: one skin 10½ × 4½, seal missing. Notes: Rostlastone now Rosliston is a
parish in the hundred of Repton county Derby, four miles south-west of Burton-on-Trent; Cauldwell, Coton-in-the-
elms, Catton-on-Trent, Linton, Newton-Solney and Gresley are close by and lie near the confluence of the Dove and
the Trent.
Genealogy deduced.
Walter Marreys = ......
of Rostlastone
John
both living 21 Dec 1414
(1414-15) Sunday in the feast of the purification of the blessed Mary (2nd February), in the 2nd year of Henry V.
Deed of exchange (Lat) dated at Kenworthy and made between William de Tatton of the one part and William le
Hunte and Margaret his wife of the other part; whereby the said William de Tatton ... demised and by that then present
indenture confirmed to William le Hunte and Margaret his wife and their heirs for ever, a certain parcel of land lying in
Kenworthy called Lamputtes, in exchange for another parcel of land lying near the house of William de Tatton called
Ruyssihey; to have and to hold the said parcel of land called Lamputtes to the said William le Hunte and Margaret his
wife and their heirs for ever, making to the chief lord services etc; warranty of title. Witnesses: Thomas de Legh of
Bagulegh, Roger le Massy of Sale, Robert de Hull'. Vellum: one skin 11½ × 3½, seal missing. Notes: this deed is
indented and possibly the other part contained a grant or demise of Ruyssihey or Rushyhey to William de Tatton
completing the exchange. In this deed the words of grant are illegible except “demise”; and the deed only effects one
part of the exchange.
Genealogy deduced.
William le Hunte = Margaret
both living 2 Feb 1414-15
(1425-6) in the feast of saint Vincent martyr (22nd January), in the 4th year of Henry VI. Release and quitclaim
(Lat), dated at Over Haddon, from William de Brodehurst, son of William de Brodehurst, of Over Haddon to John
Brodehurst his brother his heirs and assigns; of all right and claim of right which he had, in one messuage and eighteen
acres of land, with the appurtenances, lying in the said town and fields of Over Haddon, which same messuage and
eighteen acres of land, with the appurtenances, the said John his brother had from the gift and grant of Cecilie their
mother by a certain charter etc. Witnesses: John de Farefeld (?) of Over Haddon, John ... of the same town, John de
Gyte, Nicholas Pygges (?), Thomas de ... Vellum: one skin 10 × 3½, seal missing. Notes: this deed is in bad condition
and the writing is much faded, many words and sentences being illegible; but the general outline and date are clear and
doubtful names are indicated in the above abstract. One of the witnesses John de Gyte of Over Haddon is mentioned as
purchaser of land in Over Bondsale 3 Hen VI (1424), in a grant abstracted in Jeayes’ “Derbyshire Charters” No 317.
Genealogy deduced.
William de Brodehurst = Cecilia
William of
John
Over Haddon
all living except perhaps Cecilia 22 Jan 1425-6
(1426) November 6th, in the 5th year of Henry VI. Letter of attorney (Lat), dated at Ouerhaddon, from Richard son
of John Walker of Ouerhaddon to William de Brodhirst senior and John his son, to give seisin to William de Brodhirst
junior and Margorie his wife, in one messuage and xxvi acres of land and meadow, with the appurtenances, in
Ouerhaddon, following the form and effect of a certain charter of the said John Walker to the same William de
Brodhirst junior and Margorie. Vellum: one skin 12 × 1½ seal missing.
Genealogies deduced.
(i)
[Pg 7]
IX
X
[Pg 8]
XI
John Walker = ......
of Ouerhaddon
Richard
both living 6 Nov 1426
(ii)
William Brodhirst=......
senior
John
William = Margorie
junior
all living 6 Nov 1426
(1565) July 12th, in the 7th year of Elizabeth. Award (Engl) of Gregorye Reyvell of Stanyngton, Robert Hawksworthe
of Thornsett, Phyllyppe Morton of Ughyll and Thomas Greyve of Westnall in the countye of Yorke yomen. Reciting that
where certayn debate contraversye and varyance then of late had been dependynge betwene Henry Gelat of Wygtuysle
in the countye of Yorke yoman of the one partye and Henry Morton and Henry Ibotson of the same Wygtuysle in the
same countye yomen of the other partye, and especyally of for and concernynge the occupacion of certayne Byredole
lands in Wygtuyslee afforsayd, in so muche as bothe the sayd partyes had submytted them selffs to stand to and adyde
obserue performe fullfyll and kepe the award arbytrament order rule dome and judgement of them the sayd Gregorye
Reyvell etc arbytratourers indefferently electe and chosen betwene the sayd partyes to arbytrate award etc, of in for
and uppon almanner of matters accyons suyts grudges trespasse quarrells detts and demaunds what so euer they be had
moved styrred and in any wyse dependynge betwene the sayd partyes, frome ye begynynge of the worlde unto the day
of makynge heroff for the pacyffyenge wheroff they the sayd arbytratourors had takyn uppon them the offyce and
aucthoryte of arbytrament at Wygtuysle affor sayd and then and there awarded etc, in manner and form foloynge;
Fyrste, we award etc, that the sayd partyes shall frome hencefurthe be faythefull lovers and friends and deale as lovynge
nebors ought to do; also we award etc, that the sayd Henry Morton and hys heyrs shall at all times herafter haue hold
occupye and enyoye one parcell of wodd ground wch he haythe heretofore claymed, set lyenge and beynge in a place
called the nether croft and commonly called the cloyghe without let trouble or ympedyment of the sayd Henry Gelot and
hys heyrs etc; and further we award etc that the sayd Henry Gelot and his heyrs shall at all tymes herafter haue hold
occupye and enyoye one parcell of land lyenge in the nether end of one close called the hallowes, as yt ys now devyded
and meared by hus, without vexacion let trouble or ympedyment of the sayd Henry Morton and Henry Ibotson and ther
heyrs etc; and further that all other mears and balks shall at all tymes herafter be kept and used contenually as they be
now appoynted by hus; and further we award that bothe the sayd partyes at all tymes herafter in tyme of mast shall
gether all the mast that shall fall frome ther own trees, where so euer the same shall fortune to fall, without let etc, and
that all swyne of bothe partyes in mast tyme shall have all ther swyne to go at libertye throughe out all the byredole
lands, belongynge to the Town of Wygtuysle without lett or harme. Vellum: one skin 13 × 7, seals missing. Notes: the
deed is indented, there are no witnesses. Mast is the fruit of beech and forest trees, food for swine.
1568 October 24th, in the 10th year of Elizabeth. Grant (Engl) made between Vincent Munday of Marketon in the
county of Derby esquire and Edward Mundy (sic) gentleman, son and heir apparent of the said Vincent, of the one part
and John Weston of Mackworth in the county aforesaid gentlemen of the other part; whereby the aforesaid Vincent and
Edward, for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred pounds paid to the said Vincent and Edward by the said
John Weston, delivered gave granted sold bargained released and confirmed to the said John Weston and his heirs
executors and administrators, all that messuage or tenement, with the appurtenances, situate lying and being in The
Highe Frith within the parish of Alstonefield in the county of Stafford and being part parcel and member of the manor of
Alstonefield aforesaid and thereafter named; following and more at large expressed; to wit all that messuage farm or
tenement called Hawkesyarde or otherwise Hawkesearthe, then in the tenure or occupation of Raphe Bradburye and
Maud his wife: then follows a full description of the outbuildings lands etc, with extracts from the deed of covenant of
the 15th May 1399 hereinbefore abstracted and a full copy of which grant is given in the appendix hereto. Witnesses:
John Walker, Thomas Mundye gent, Thomas Brunt, John Oakes yeoman and Thomas Mundy. Vellum: one skin 16 ×
12, two round seals of yellow wax, each 1½ inches in diameter and bearing a cross flory, probably not armorial.
Notes: photographic reproductions of this deed and the two seals are given in the appendix. There is a memorandum
endorsed recording the giving of possession on the 24th November in the 10th year of Elizabeth in the presence of the
same witnesses, except John Walker.
Genealogy deduced.
XII
[Pg 9]
XIII
[Pg 10]
Vincent Munday=......
of Marketon
co Derby esquire
Edward
s & h ap gent
both living 24 Oct 1568
(1625) July 25th, in the 1st year of Charles I. Deed of covenant (Engl) made between John Ibotson of Wigtwisle in
the county of York clerke on the first partye, William Ibotson of Nether Combes in the said county yeoman on the
second partye and Richard Ibotson of Worral in the said county yeoman on the third partye; witnessed that the said
John Ibotson for divers good causes and considerations him moving did covenant grant conclude and agree to and with
the said William Ibotson and his heirs by those presents, that he the said John Ibotson should and would before the
feast day of saint Michael the archangell, then next ensuing the date thereof, by his deed of feoffment, by him to be
sealed and delivered and with “liverye of seizen” lawfully executed give grant enfeoffe and confirm unto the said William
Ibotson and his heirs for ever; all that messuage or tenement in Wiggtwisle (sic) aforesaid, which was sometime the
tenement of one Henry Morton deceased; and all houses buildings lands tenements meddowes pastures woods under-
woods commons comodityes and hereditaments of him the said John Ibotson in Wiggtwisle aforesaid, whichever were
the lands tenements and hereditaments of the said Henry Morton in Wiggtwisle aforesaid, with all their appurtenances
whatsoever; to the only use and behoofe of the said William Ibotson and of his heirs for ever; to the end that the said
William Ibotson might be adjudged and taken to be perfect tenant of the freehold of all the said messuage and other the
said premises, until a perfect recovery might be had and executed of all the said premises against him the said William
Ibotson; and it was also covenanted and agreed by and between all the said partyes to those presents that a writt of
entery sur disseisen in le post should be brought for the said premises, at the cost and charge of the said John Ibotson,
in the name of the said Richard Ibotson, against the said William Ibotson; by the name or names of one messuage one
garden one orchard an hundred acres of land thirty acres of meddowe twenty acres of pasture four acres of wood and
forty acres of more (moor), with thappurtenances, in Wiggtwisle alias Wẏghtwysill Bradfeild; or by such the name or
names as to the said John Ibotson should be thought meet and convenient, according to the use of common recoveries
in such case used; and that the said William Ibotson should vouch to warrant the said John Ibotson who should enter
into the said warranty and vouch over the common vouchee, who should appear and make default; also that a perfect
recovery may be had and judgement thereupon given, in his Majesty’s court of common plees at Westminster, against
the said William Ibotson who should recover in value, against the said John Ibotson and the common vouchee, to be in
mercye; and it was likewise further covenanted etc by and between all the said parties, that after the execution thereof
of the said recovery, the same should be and enure, and the feoffee named in the said feoffment and recoverer named in
the said recovery, should at and ever after the executing of the said feoffment and at and ever after the said recovery,
soe had as aforesaid, stand and be seized of the said messuage etc; to the only use and behoof of the said John Ibotson
and of his heirs and assigns for ever, and to noe other use intent or purpose whatsover. Witnesses: Richard Ibotson,
Will' Woodson, John Potter. Vellum: one skin 21 × 10, three seals obscure. Notes: John Ibotson signed, the other
two were marksmen. It is interesting to note that Wẏghtwysill is given as the alias for Wiggtwisle. According to Hunter,
John was the son of Henry Ibotson of Wightwisle and Mary Morton daughter of Henry Morton of Wightwisle, referred
to in this deed. John is said to have had a living in Norfolk. His eldest daughter Mary married Christopher Wilson of
Broomhead. William and Richard Ibotson were probably related to John whose grandson Charles Wilson was vicar of
Sheffield. See F.M.G. vol II, page 650.
1625 July 30th, in the 1st year of Charles I. Feoffment (Lat) from John Ibotson of Wigtwisle in the county of York
clerk to William Ibotson of Nether Coombes in the said county of York yeoman and his heirs for ever, of all that his
messuage or tenement in Wigtwisle aforesaid, which then formerly was the tenement of Henry Morton, then deceased;
and all his outhouses and buildings gardens orchards lands tenements meadows pastures woods underwoods rights of
common profits and hereditaments in Wigtwisle aforesaid, with their appurtenances; to holdun to and to the use of the
said William Ibotson his heirs and assigns for ever, of the chief lord etc, by services etc; warranty of title. Witnesses:
Henry Ibotson, William Wodson (the tenant), John P.... Vellum: one skin 12 × 5½, round seal of red wax bears a
dolphin, probably not armorial. Notes: there is a good signature of “John Ibotsone.”
1633 May 13th, in the 9th year of Charles I. Grant (Engl) made between John Ibotson of Wigtwisle in the county of
York clerk of the one part and Christopher Willson of Wigtwisle in the said county yeoman of the other part; whereby
the said John Ibotson, for and in exchange with the said Christopher Willson granted etc unto the said Christopher
Willson his heirs and assigns for ever, one way for passage with drift cart and carriage then or theretofore used and
XIV
[Pg 11]
XV
[Pg 12]
XVI
accustomed, unto and from a messuage or tenement at Wigtwisle aforesaid then in the occupation of William Odeson,
through a close of him, the said Christopher Willson, called the Walls and thence into and from the nether croft,
belonging to the said messuage or tenement; to hold the abovesaid way etc, and all the right interest and demand of him
the said John Ibotson thereto unto and to the use the said Christopher Willson his heirs and assigns for ever; warranty of
title etc; and the said Christopher Willson in lieu and exchange of the above etc, granted etc unto the said John Ibotson
his heirs and assigns for ever, one like way etc henceforth and for ever thereafter to be used, unto and from the said
messuage, then in the occupation of the said William Odeson, to and from the nether crofts, lee and nether hollin carr,
belonging to the said messuage, by and “thorow” the fouldstead of the said Christopher Willson on the south side of his
house at Wigtwisle aforesaid and from thence “thorow” the nether yeard and so to and from the three closes last above
mentioned; to hold unto and to the use of him the said John Ibotson his heirs and assigns for ever; warranty of title etc.
Witnesses: William Garlicke, William Odeson. Vellum: one skin 10½ × 9½, seal missing. Notes: both Christopher
Willson and William Garlicke, the witness, were sons-in-law of John Ibotson, see Hunter’s F.M.G. vol II, page 652.
The word Wigtwisle when used to describe the residence of Christopher Willson has been written on an erasure.
Map of Hawksyard and The Moorlands of Staffordshire.
Map of Hawksyard and The Moorlands of Staffordshire.
APPENDIX.
Reprint from Transactions of The Hunter Archæological Society.
HAWKSYARD.
By T. WALTER HALL, Hon. M.A. (Sheffield), F.R.Hist.S.
Place-names, obvious in their meaning but suggesting a remote origin and a forgotten past, attract the historian, if not the
philologist.
Hawksyard is one of these; its import is Hawksland but its history lies hidden in the records of past centuries; it excites
our curiosity and quickens our imagination.
We instinctively recall scenes of English sport in bygone days; of kings and nobles, knights and ladies, riding across the
unfenced country; over moorland and waste, through fen and ford, with hooded falcon and stooping hawk, enjoying
what was for nearly a thousand years the national sport of England.
Such a scene was brought to mind by the perusal of two musty parchments with imposing seals and faded script,
quarried from the lower strata of time-worn muniments, in the office of Colonel Brooke Taylor of Bakewell.
The earlier of these deeds takes us back to the death of John of Gaunt and the resignation of Richard II in the closing
year of the 14th century; the later one was sealed and delivered in the less tragic days of Queen Elizabeth.
They both relate to Hawksyard, situate in that part of The Moorlands of Staffordshire known in the middle ages as
Highe Frith of Malbanc Forest; south of Buxton and east of the church at Newtown near Longnor.
[Pg 13]
The deed of John of Gaunt bears date the 15th May 1399, in bold Arabic numerals; it is written in a jargon intended to
be Latin and measures 15 × 8½ inches; its round pendent seal of green wax has a diameter of three and a half inches
and is nearly an inch thick. The parchment is dark in colour, coarse in texture and much crinkled; the writing is not
uniform in character, parts being in a flowing hand suggesting a date long subsequent to the Plantagenets. The deed
begins with the word Conventum, meaning a covenant or agreement under seal; but, from the concluding paragraph, it
was evidently intended to operate as a deed of gift or grant in fee simple of the lands called Hawksyard.
1399 May 15th. Deed of Covenant, John of Gaunt to Sir Edward Mundy.
Photo Ethel Eadon
1399 May 15th. Deed of Covenant, John of Gaunt to Sir Edward Mundy.
The following is a transcript with the contractions indicated but not extended:—
Conventum inter Johan' Gaunte Duc' Lancast' quart' fillius Regy' Edvardi tert' et Edvardum Mundy de
Marton in Comitatu Derb' equit' Joh'es Ga'nt Dux Lancast' p'mittebat Domin' Edvard' Mundy visere
ap'd Marton in Comitat' Derb' p'd q' pariter prestabat Et etiam Dominus Edvardus Mundy iterfaciebat
Duc' Lancast' Comitibusq' ejus in Highe Frith parochia Allstonefield Comitatu Staffordiæ Cum in eum
locum pase (?) publice p'venirent qui nuncupatur Lady Edge cujus defugabant (?) excitabant Gallos
palust' ad quos illico accipitres evertebant apud quos accipitres fuga petebant int' illos Limites ut
posthac mention's siant hoc Termino qui expositus erat Avibus volantibus ultro citroq' ad viam publica'
qua abduit ab Longnor ad Leeke al' parte circunt quo accipitres pred'am apprehendebant parte juxta
mediam circuituo juxta convallem Orient' Decim' Die May' Ann' Dom' 1399 Quamobre' Joh'es Gaunt
ei dabat Titulu' nomenq' Hawkesyerd alias Hawksearth propter pred'a apprehensa' inter Limit' qui
posthac mentionem fit qui non antehac nuncupabatur ... Aliquae pauce Fundi Partes que posthac
mentione' fiunt Viz' alia pars Fundi nuncupatur Harrisons Intake al' pars Fundi nuncupat' House-Fielde
quo parva vel Domus stabat al' pars Fundi nuncup' Little Meadow quae ex part' meridional' inter jacet
Locu' nuncup' Boothesley Grange al' pars Fundi nuncup' Spart (? Spout) Meadow fluvio adjacans
erga Occidentam al' pars Fund' nuncupat' Killn Croffte fluvio adjac' erga Occidente' al' pars Fund'
nuncup' Spart (?) al' pars Fundi nuncupat' Rye Pingle erga Occidentem sequia secale illo p'senti anno
Cresscebat Limes Hawksyerd alias Hawksearth jacens positusq' in Highe Frith Parochia Allstonefield
Comitatuq' Staffordie exposit Johan' Gaunt Duc' Lancast' p'd' inter tales Metas qual' posthac
mentione' fiunt attin' illi soli Domo predi'oq' nuncup' Hawksyerd alias Hawksearth p'd ubi est convallis
oriental' ejus part' Fluviusq' Curans erga merediem juxta Fluvium int' ilium et Locum nuncup' Banke
aut al' Over boothesley Etiam parte meridional' convallus ... et Fluvius currens erga Orient' juxta
Fluviu' int' illu' Locumq' nuncup' Bauthsley (sic) Grange illaq' ascendit part' meridional' Funi qui
nuncup' Rye Pingle quia jacet erga Occident' et setendit directe ad fugum q'd nuncup' Lady Edge
jacens positusq' in Highe Frith Parochia Allstonefield Comitatuq' Stafford' et tunc transjugu' q'd est
erga septentrionem directe ad viam publica' quae abducit ab Longnor ad Leeke Etiamq' publica' juxta
via' erga Orient' usq' du' directe p'venit ad Convalla' Termino Orientali Tractus praedi'i expositus
primo Ann' Regni Regis Henrici Quart' assignabat Limat vel Expellere includere vel admittere ad Sol'
proprium usu' Comodumq' illius Domus predi'iq' nuncu'q' Hawksyerd al' Hawksearth p'd etiam
Libertinuanu' publi' pascu' jusque effodiendi Cespites p' Desertu' Domin' Allstonefield Dom' Edvardus
Mundy de Marton in comitat' Derby (sic) p'd' favore unum suplicabat Joh'es Gaunt Du' Lancastriae
quem dicebat consideret Si illi esset postestas Dom' Edvardus ilium orabat et ei daret predi'u' nuncup'
Hawksyerd alias Hawksearth p'd' Et Joh'es Gaunt libere Largiebatur et concedebat illi et posteris in
Aeturnu' Dom' Edvardus Mundy profesiebatur Joh'e Gaunt Comitibusq' eum visere apud Castrum
Lancast' quo Joh'es Gaunt sigillabat Subscribebat et in potestatem Domin' Edvardi Mundy Premis' tot'
tradebat decimo quint' Die May Anno D'm' 1399 coram William Stanley Gent John Porter Gent'
[Pg 14]
[Pg 15]
James Lewis Gent' Wi'm Stanley Gent' Tho's Mundy Gent' John Thornicroft Attorney.
It is not easy to give a true interpretation of this unconventional deed; the operative part, which should be clear and
precise, being vague and inconclusive. The following is what may be accepted as a free translation conveying a general
idea of the purport and effect of the deed:—
An Agreement between John Gaunte duke of Lancaster, fourth son of King Edward the third and
Edward Mundy of Marton [Markeaton] in the county of Derby knight. John Gaunt (sic) went himself
to visit Sir Edward Mundy at Marton in the county of Derby aforesaid ... and Sir Edward Mundy
made a journey with the duke of Lancaster and his attendants into Highe Frith in the parish of
Alstonefield in the county of Stafford; when they arrived at that piece of public ground [? the common
or moorland waste of the manor] which was called Lady Edge, from which moorcock [both red and
black grouse] were frequently driven away and from whence hawks were let loose and flown within
such boundaries as were thereinafter mentioned, to this boundary which was free and open for birds
flying backwards and forwards near the public road, which led from Longnor to Leek. In the part of
the circle in which the hawks took [the grouse] near the middle circuit next the east clough, on the
10th day of May 1399: for this reason John Gaunt gave it the title and name of Hawksyerd otherwise
Hawksearth, because of the game being taken within its limits, thereinafter mentioned, which place
was not theretofore named, some other pieces of land, which after that were made mention, to wit,
part of a piece of land called Harrisons Intake, part of a piece of land called House Fielde, on which a
small shed or house was standing, part of a piece of land called Little Meadow, which on the south lay
between a place called Boothesley Grange and part of a piece of land called Rye Meadow following
the stream pointing west, part of a piece of land called Killn Croffte adjoining the stream, thence west,
part of a piece of land called Spart (?) Meadow, part of a piece of land called Rye Pingle, thence
west following the rye of that year then growing. The boundary of Hawksyard otherwise Hawksearth,
lying and being in Highe Frith in the parish of Alstonefield in the county of Stafford set out by John
Gaunte duke of Lancaster aforesaid, between such bounds as were thereinafter mentioned, were set
out for that house only; and the land called Hawksyerd otherwise Hawksearth aforesaid, where there
is a clough at the east end of it and a purling stream, thence south following the stream between that
and a place called Banke or otherwise Over Boothesley; also on the south side, a clough and stream
ran, thence east next the stream, between that place called Bauthsley (sic) Grange and ascending on
the south of the piece of land which is called Rye Pingle, thence west leading direct to the high ridge
which is called Lady Edge, lying and being in Highe Frithe in the parish of Alstonefield in the county of
Stafford; and then across the ridge which is north direct to the public road, which led from Longnor to
Leeke; and also along the public road thence east it passed straight to the east end of the clough. The
full extent of the said land, in the 1st year of the reign of King Henry IV, was marked out and set to
limits either to expel, keep in or admit, to the only proper use and advantage of that house called
Hawksyerd otherwise Hawksearth aforesaid; and also the liberty to dig turf in the public meadow and
wastes of the lordship of Alstonefield. Sir Edward Mundy of Marton in the county of Derby aforesaid
prayed for one favour of John Gaunt duke of Lancaster, which he [John] said he would consider if to
him it were possible. Sir Edward asked him and he [John] to him gave the said place called
Hawksyerd otherwise Hawksearth aforesaid and John Gaunt did freely give and grant it to him and his
descendants forever. Sir Edward Mundy then went with his attendants to John Gaunt to see him at
Lancaster Castle which [agreement] John Gaunt sealed and subscribed; and into the control of Sir
Edward Mundy, all the before mentioned was handed over on the 15th day of May 1399 In the
presence of William Stanley Gent, John Porter Gent, James Lewis Gent, Wi'm Stanley Gent, Thomas
Mundy Gent, John Thornicroft Attorney.
If this deed correctly records the facts, we must infer that John of Gaunt owned lands in north Staffordshire between
Longnor and Leek; and that they probably formed part of the lands belonging to the duchy of Lancaster. We learn that
his friend Sir Edward Mundy of Markeaton, twenty miles away to the south-east, invited the duke to visit him there; a
hawking party being arranged on the 10th May 1399 by Sir Edward for the entertainment of his royal guest; one of the
highest points of The Moorlands, known as Lady Edge, nearly 1500 feet above the sea, where grouse were always to
be found, was selected as the trysting place. The party would ride from Markeaton across the open country to Lady
Edge, and they appear to have had good sport. Probably John of Gaunt and his friends from Markeaton watched the
hawking from the top of Lady Edge and the undulating land which lies between Lady Edge and Hawksyard, the quarry
being taken within a distance of half a mile to the north-east. So pleased was the duke, that he honoured...
